August 02, 2012

Updated: Panthers cut Jeff Otah, sign a cornerback

Two days after Otah's trade to the New York Jets fell through, the Panthers terminated the contract of the oft-injured, former first-round draft pick on Thursday.

The Panthers dealt Otah to the Jets on July 23 for a conditional, seventh-round pick. But when Otah could not pass a physical in New York, he returned to the Panthers.

But the Panthers had moved on, turning the right tackle spot over to second-year pro Byron Bell, who started 12 games in 2011 when Otah was out.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said Otah failed his physical and wasn't sure when he could play.

“Any time you let go of a player as good as Jeff is, it's a hard decision,” Hurney said. “After he came back and talking to him and going through the last few days, he doesn't feel like he's gotten over the injuries of the past two seasons and really doesn't know when he'll be ready. It was a decision that was probably best for both sides to move forward.”

Jonathan Feinsod, Otah's agent, said Otah would "definitely" play again. Otah plans to go to Ohio for a camp for offensive linemen, according to Feinsod.

In another move Thursday, the Panthers signed cornerback Nate Ness. Ness, 25, has been a part of seven teams in four seasons. He originally signed with a Cleveland as an undrafted free agent from Arizona in 2009.

With young corners Brandon Hogan (knee) and Josh Norman (hamstring) out, the Panthers were getting low on cornerbacks. Ness adds depth at the position.

Otah has missed 31 of the past 35 games due to issues with his left knee. He has undergone at least two surgeries, and was shut down early last season in the hopes he would be healthy this season in the final year of his contract.

But Otah had a setback with the knee during OTAs, which apparently was the final straw for the Panthers.

Couldn't they have at least traded him to Krispy Kreme or Weight Watchers as a spokesman for something?

Posted by: Jeremiah was a bullfrog | Aug 2, 2012 3:17:23 PM

another NFL Bust !

Posted by: bigrip | Aug 2, 2012 3:23:46 PM

He made right around $12 million of his $14.3 5-year deal. I doubt anyone will pick him up. Not bad for a two years of work.

Posted by: bc | Aug 2, 2012 3:27:27 PM

Too much Chick Fil' A...Lol

Posted by: Bruce | Aug 2, 2012 3:28:02 PM

It's funny how people will jump on a band-wagon when a player plays good then bash the player when he suffers an injury or is not able to preform at a high level. It is one thing when the player just has an attitude issue like T.O. and another when the play wants to play but is unable to because of injuries like Jeff Otah. I hope that he recovers and is able to play again in the NFL or just recovers and able to lead a decent life period. He was not a locker room cancer, never got into any trouble, no DUI's, drugs, or anything else yet alot of people bash him. Jeff...I wish the best for you.

Posted by: Animal187 | Aug 2, 2012 3:58:45 PM

Let's see...

We traded a first round pick to move up in the draft to get Otah. Bust.

We traded a first round pick to move up in the draft to get Everette Brown. Bust.

We traded what became the first pick in the second round in 2011 to move up and get Aramanti Edwards. Wait for it.....Bust!

I think there is a lesson here for Marty and friends. STOP IT!!!!!

Posted by: mjgnc2001 | Aug 2, 2012 3:59:30 PM

This clown is/was a bum anyway. Just like the rest of his ilk he wants to sit around doing nothing all day, watching Jerry Springer on the TV, and get paid for it.

Posted by: RonJeremyTheHedgeHog | Aug 2, 2012 4:05:15 PM

Animal187 - he's getting bashed because he didn't care, didn't try, didn't spend enough time in the trainer's room, etc. Injuries happen. Panthers have a history of standing behind players that try, look at Thomas Davis. When a player shows up at OTA's overweight, out of shape, and looking like a slob, that's the writing on the wall.
Good riddance, Otah. Hopefully he'll start giving a sh** and try.

Posted by: anon52 | Aug 2, 2012 4:08:36 PM

Hate to see it go down like this for Otah to be honest. Knee not holding up, failed two physicals, Jets of all teams BALKED.....stroke of bad luck....
Hope he rebounds though at some point!

Posted by: big daddy | Aug 2, 2012 4:12:25 PM

Great, our Cornerback problems are already beginning, with Hogan and Norman out. Another year of Defensive Back disaster! This Panther team is going nowhere fast with the DBack issues on this team. Hurney, you needed to address this problem, and you didn't!!!

Well, there's always 2013.

Posted by: Cathy BF's Huckabee | Aug 2, 2012 4:17:42 PM

"Dont write if you cant be positive and back this team to the fullest. NO BANGWAGGERS ALLOWED"--This is the MOTTO from now on. Just too much negative and non sense... GO PANTHERS!!!

Posted by: BofA Fan | Aug 2, 2012 4:24:41 PM

Nice troll attempt RonJeremyTheHedgeHog . we aint biting.

Posted by: noplaceforthat | Aug 2, 2012 4:29:01 PM

B of A Fan, don't read any of this if you cannot handle reality. Apparently, you need sunshine and rainbows, living life on Fantasy Island. No Mr. Rourke or Tattoo here.

Deal with the facts. 2012...9-7 and missing the playoffs.

Posted by: Cathy BF's Huckabee | Aug 2, 2012 4:30:31 PM

would anyone call terrell davis a bust?

not the same, I know, but the point is still valid.

and for those 3 misses that hurney had, none of them destroyed a franchise like a jamarcus russell or tim couch type miss. he's drafted basically everybody of consequence on this roster outside of olsen.....and the future looks good for this group. i'll say hurney does a solid job. way better than his NBA counterparts.

Posted by: charlottean | Aug 2, 2012 4:32:23 PM

Otah was a big bust. Big busts = The Charlotte John Blog

Posted by: Jack | Aug 2, 2012 4:48:09 PM

@Charlottefan-- the BIG difference is that Terrell Davis actually um...PLAYED many seasons before being chronically injured. He was a SB MVP and ran for over 2,000 yards in a season. To compare him to Otah is like saying Tim Couch was on his way to being Joe Montana.

Those misses by Hurney actually did hurt the franchise..remember the 2-14 record? If not for Cam those moves would look REALLY bad! We just got lucky to get a STUD last yr that covered up some of the holes. But using a high pick on an OL that is no longer on the team, a failed attempt at an undersized pass rusher and a QB turned WR...first and second round picks are a valuable commodity and shouldnt be used on "experiments"

With that said..Im behind Marty regardless, but that doesnt mean I cant express my frustration. 10-6 this season, sneaking into the playoffs! GO PANTHERS!!

Posted by: PantherTerry | Aug 2, 2012 5:10:51 PM

Otah never gave any effort. He is the football equvilant to Sean May.

Fat, Lazy, and Stupid are fine ways to make 12 million, but it is still a sorry way to go through life.

Posted by: Real | Aug 2, 2012 5:15:30 PM

Panthers will win the NFL South. Period. Cam Newton is the 5th best QB in the league today without winning anything...

Posted by: Bruce | Aug 2, 2012 5:16:11 PM

When he was on the field, he was good, but it is time to move on from Otah - that is 1.1M off the cap (actually 2.7M once the prorated salary kicks in). He needs a fresh start and we need another OT. I hope he gets another chance, but it sure doesnt seem like he will if he cant pass a physical.

We will see what Campbell and Bell have in the tank now that Otah is gone.

Posted by: manu4t | Aug 2, 2012 5:27:29 PM

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Go Panthers!!! As fans, we need to show more support and faith at games. That means buy tickets, and don't allow opposing fans to dominate our stadium. When our defense is on the field be LOUD, not just on third downs (be loud every damn down), and for the love of god shut up when our offense is on the field. Don't leave the game early if our team is down, because they might make a comeback and could use our help by making noise. You paid for the ticket, might as well enjoy the entire game. As fans, lets do our part to support the team 100%. GO PANTHERS!!!!!!!

Posted by: PanthersFan | Aug 2, 2012 6:00:14 PM

"a camp for offensive linemen"......???

Dude, you better go to the best doctors money can buy, then start working out, and start running on it. What a waste.